Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning

Confirmed Case

Detection of saxitoxin or related toxins in samples of shellfish that were consumed by an individual meeting the clinical case definition, in edible tissues in excess of 0.8 mg/kg (0.8 ppm);OR

Detection of saxitoxin in urine or feces collected within 24 hours of exposure and illness;OR

Detection of high levels of dinoflagellates (Alexandrium, Gymnodinium, and Pyrodinium spp.) associated with shellfish poisoning in water from which epidemiologically related shellfish [2] were gathered.

Probable Case

Clinical illness [1] within 12 hours of consumption of at risk shellfish [2] and in the absence of other known causes.

Notes

Clinical illness defined as: neurological symptoms such as paresthesia and/or paralysis involving the mouth and extremities, which may be accompanied by gastrointestinal symptoms.